Jun 20, 2012

Shave Ice – The Hot "New" Way To Be Cool

From the Imperial Woodpecker on Manhattan, to Ryupin on Okinawa, to Big Daddy's on Moloka'i, "Shave Ice" is the hot "new" way to be cool. In Hawaii, shave ice has evolved into a Hawaiian signature dessert. Since 1934, shave ice has been made by machines that produce a very fine ice that appears snow-like. It is then mounded and coated with colorful tropical flavored syrup. Because the ice is so fine, the syrup stays in the ice, not at the bottom of the cone. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or azuki bean paste at the bottom of the cone, or top it off with a "snow cap"-some sweetened, condensed milk drizzled over the top. In Hawaii, you can find shave ice almost 24/7 at specialty shave ice stands, mom-and-pop stores, cafes, or even several adult versions found in bars, with alcohol added.

Actually shave ice is not "new" at all, and is not even Hawaiian. It was first introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants working on sugar plantations in the 1920s. They would shave fine pieces of ice from large blocks of ice using Japanese swords that were family heirlooms. The Japanese have been making shave ice since the Heian Period, 794 to 1185, and is known as "kakigōri" in Japan. Originally ice was brought down from the mountains and stored in caves, then shaved and served only to royalty. When first introduced to Hawaii, shave ice was sold solely on Sundays, the only day of the week immigrants rested. With the decline of Hawaiian sugar’s popularity, these immigrants moved off the plantations and opened their own family grocery stores. There they sold household goods along with shave ice which proved to be a huge commercial success. In 1934, the first shaved ice machine was invented in New Orleans, Louisiana by Ernest Hansen, called the "Sno-Bliz™". It was a machine that would spin a block of ice over an ice shaving blade. After 73 years that same machine is still being used in the original ice shaving shop, Hansen's Sno-Bliz™ and Sweetshop Inc., operated by Hansen's granddaughter, Ashley, in New Orleans.

Shave ice exists all over the world today and is known by different names, but the best shave ice is only found in Hawaii. While on Maui, try: Ululani's Shave Ice in Lahaina, or Local Boys Snack Shop in Kihei. If you are on my island of Moloka'i, try: Big Daddy's, in Kaunakakai, or Coffee's of Hawaii in Kualapuu. On the Big Island, try: Avenue Ice Cream in Waimea, or Tropical Island Flavors in Kailua-Kona. Oahu has the largest number of shave ice places in the state, try: Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa, Shimazu Store in Kalihi, Ailana Shave Ice in Ala Moana, Waiola Shave Ice in Moilili or Jung's Shave Ice in Honolulu. No matter what island you’re on, Manhattan, to Okinawa, to Moloka'i grab a shave ice, it's the hot new way to be cool on hot sunny days. Aloha!

CHEF JAMES TEMPLE

First of all, thanks for visiting Tasting Hawaii, my way of introducing you to the multi-ethnic cuisine found on these tropical Hawaiian islands.

I'm a retired chef living on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. It is small and rural, with a population of only 7,345. This island is tucked away between Oahu and Maui. It's special because the people living here are mostly Hawaiian. They love the old ways of aloha, where family comes first, helping your neighbor is important, and growth and tourism is not in their vocabulary.

In ancient times, it was the task of the men to prepare the food, and men and women ate meals separately. Hawaiians have always loved to cook, and so do I. No matter where you live, we all have one thing in common... FOOD. To me, sharing lives over a meal makes food what it was always meant to be, not just a nourisher, but a uniter of hearts.

After 35 years in the advertising business I thought... it's time to expand my horizons. I decided to make a big change and go back to school... cooking school. In January, 2003 I graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, with an Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Arts Degree.

I love living and cooking, especially in Hawaii. I hope you find a recipe on this blog that will become a family favorite, and that you will learn a little about Tasting Hawaii and cooking with Aloha.

Chef James Temple

CHEF JAMES TEMPLE'S COOKBOOKS: "COOKING ON MOLOKA'I"

Cooking in Hawaii is like a painter's pallet, a fusion of flavors from many nationalities, a tropical melting pot that is unique to the culinary world. This 170 page cookbook has over 120 local recipes like: Fried Honey Sesame Shrimp, Chicken Adobo in Coconut Milk, Spicy Thai Beef Salad. and Tahitian Lime Pie. These recipes are some of the best 'grindz' enjoyed on Moloka'i and the Hawaiian islands.

"TROPICAL COOKING"

Did you know that there are over 45,000 tropical islands around the world. This 170 page cookbook has a collection of over 120 tropical island recipes. Recipes like: "Banana Crumble Muffins", "Aruban Citrus Chicken", "Pineapple Rum Cake", "Lime-Garlic Pork Roast", "Black Bean, Heart of Palm, and Corn Salad", "Coconut Crab Cakes with Avocado Mango Salsa", "Coconut Shrimp Hush-puppies", or "Tropical Island Gazpacho", just to name a few.

"AMBROSIA"

In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the food of the Gods, an elixir of life. Today, Ambrosia is still a word that stands for the best of food, food that is good enough to be eaten by the Greek Gods. This 170 page cookbook has over 120 recipes like: "Roasted Beet Bruschetta", "Cream of Artichoke Soup", Celery Root Salad with Capers and Lemon", "Roast Pork with Dried Fruit", "Shirred Eggs with Lobster", and "Plum Crumble". This is a culinary oasis that will bring fine dining to your world and romance to your plate, whether you are a deity or not.

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CREATIONS BY KIMBERLY

Creations by Kimberly is my wife's company. She specializes in wholesale custom pillow cases, placemats, aprons, tote bags, etc., all in beautiful tropical fabrics. Kimberly's products are sold in retail outlets on most of Hawaii's islands. Click on the logo above to visit her website and see her products.